What it means
It acts on opioid receptors in the wall of the gut, slowing movement so more water is absorbed and stools become firmer and less frequent. At normal doses it does not reach the brain. Very high doses, sometimes taken on purpose, can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
For the nurse
It should not be used when diarrhea is bloody, comes with fever, or may be from C. difficile or another infection, since slowing the gut can keep the germ inside. Teach the client to drink fluids, to stop it once stools are formed, and not to take more than the label or prescriber says.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidiarrheal |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Imodium A-D |
| Spanish | loperamida |
| Also written | Imodium, Imodium A-D |
Related terms
C. difficile
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).
diarrhea
Loose or watery stools, usually three or more times a day or more often than normal for the person.